Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his belief that Neymar still has time to regain full fitness ahead of this year’s World Cup. Despite being sidelined with injuries since October 2023, Neymar remains under evaluation by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and coaching staff.
“He is able to return to 100%,” Ancelotti told L’Equipe. “He still has two months to show he has what it takes to play at the next World Cup.”
Thirty-four-year-old Neymar is aiming to participate in his fourth World Cup. He is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, but has been left out of all squads since Ancelotti took charge in June. The coach emphasized that only players who are physically ready will be called up.
“I have said it several times and it is very clear: I will call the players who are physically ready,” Ancelotti said. Despite his absence, Neymar retains strong support from fans who chanted his name during Brazil’s 2-1 defeat by France in a recent World Cup warm-up.
“Neymar made and continues to make the history of Brazilian football,” added Ancelotti. “He is a great talent and it is natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.”
Neymar underwent minor surgery on his left knee on December 22 and underwent another procedure during the international break earlier this month in preparation for the tournament. Ancelotti noted that Neymar has made good progress since his injury.
“Neymar has recovered well from his knee injury (in December),” the coach said. “He’s scoring goals. He needs to continue on that path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”
The forward had missed Santos’ previous two matches but played the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Atletico Mineiro. Coach Santos Cuca highlighted Neymar’s continuous improvement and commitment in training.
“Neymar is getting better every game,” Cuca said. “He stayed behind to train. His movement on the ball is much better and will probably improve. Playing him for the full 90 minutes is a risk; we’ll see if he can do it and we’ll work on him playing on Tuesday. We’re glad he’s enjoying the game as much as he is.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
13 Apr 2026 15:28 IST
